But having too many people in charge and trying to help almost backfired last week when a communication breakdown between police and council saw residents told they could return home to north Bundaberg, only to have the offer withdrawn hours later.

Angry, frustrated and tired, residents stood at the entry to the bridge demanding to be allowed over.

‘‘This whole thing is just a joke,’’ Ross Thiele fumed at the time.

‘‘If they weren’t ready for us to go over, why even say anything at all?’’Others were heard shouting more colorful words to describe the situation.

But for now, tensions have subsided as people focus on the gargantuan clean-up task ahead.

It could be months before residents can actually move back into their homes.

If they are even inhabitable, they are without water, sewerage or power.

In the meantime, they have temporary homes at a makeshift tent city in the showgrounds.

Lisa Marsh says the caravan she shares with her two young children contains everything she owns.

‘‘This is our home now, this is it,’’ she sighs. ‘‘But there’s no point complaining, we just have to get on with it.’’